Frequently you may find that as soon as someone realizes
you are a specialist in communication disorders you will be asked about
stuttering:“What causes
stuttering?”--or--“How do you cure stuttering?”Stuttering is a disorder that intrigues
the general population.Stuttering
is a disorder that continues to challenge the clinician and researcher
alike.And, of course, stuttering
creates troubling communication barriers for the individual who stutters.The good news is that we are learning
more about stuttering as we redefine the field of inquiry, refine our clinical
research designs, and apply new technology in laboratory studies.

It is my intention to introduce you to the nature of
stuttering by considering its definition, symptomatology, etiology, and
development.We will think about
what we know about stuttering.We
will study explanations that have been discarded due to conclusive research
findings.Much of our readings and
discussion will focus on current stuttering theories, models, and
research.Each student will be
expected to read, evaluate, and discuss text and electronic media information
and case examples.During the
second half of the quarter we will focus on a developmental model, specific treatment
approaches and assessment.I will
guide your practical application of treatment/assessment by highlighting three
approaches.By the end of the
quarter you will have some tools for developing your philosophy about the
nature of stuttering.Furthermore,
you will be prepared to apply all that you have learned, including specific clinical
techniques, in a supervised stuttering practicum once you enter a graduate
program.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Readings/Lectures

Your assigned readings include the text chapters that I
have indicated on the syllabus.During the lectures, I will highlight certain points in your readings
and I will provide clarification of others.I also will supplement the text material with information
that is not presented in the text.Please note that you are responsible for lecture material as well as
all of the information in the assigned readings, even if it is not reviewed in
the lecture.

Examinations

Both the mid-term and final examinations will consist of
objective and short essay questions.The midterm will be worth 60 points and the final will be worth 75
points.Make-up exams will only be
given for absences excused in advance.Under such rare circumstances the exam will be given LATE.No student will be allowed to take an
exam early.

Videotape Review Assignment

This assignment will be completed during class
sessions.We will view videotaped
samples of individuals who stutter.You will categorize/describe the behaviors you observe according to definitions
and formats which I will provide in class.The assignment is worth 10 points.You will be graded on completion of the stuttering analyses,
written reflection, and participation in class discussion.If you are absent the days we complete
these tasks, you will miss the opportunity to learn from the process and to
earn up to 10 points toward your final grade.

Participation in the International Stuttering
Online Conference October 1-22

(Starting October 1st, the conference can
be found by its link to the Stuttering Home Page - Link:http://www.stutteringhomepage.com.Look for the link that says ISAD
2005-Online Conference.)

The eighth annual conference is one of the largest
professional conferences of the year.This year’s theme is “Community Vision for Global Action.”Individuals interested in stuttering
will discuss stuttering online.Presentations by individuals from many countries will be posted for
reading on the web site.Feedback
and discussion is invited through an Internet bulletin board (threaded
discussion).You are required to
access at least one discussion and post at least one comment and question during
the first two weeks of the conference.You must
download a copy of your comments and the response/discussion this generated and
turn this into your professor by October 25 (5 points).You also must participate in small
group and class discussions, sharing your impressions of the conference (5
points).

The conference will feature a wide
variety of topics, including cluttering and other unusual fluency disorders,
support group meeting ideas, free software designed to aid in assessment,
powerpoint programs to adapt, information on drug treatment, the use of
voluntary stuttering, treatment ideas for children and teens, the use of
narratives, and much more.

Inquiry Paper

This assignment is due in class on November 30.You are required to write an 8-10 page
paper on a selected topic of interest regarding the nature or clinical
management of stuttering or cluttering.I will provide written information regarding topics, purpose, process,
format, and evaluation.This will
be discussed in the CSD 497 course.The assignment is worth 50 points.Two points will be lost for each class day an assignment is late.You are welcome to turn the paper in early,
before the Thanksgiving holiday.